The Candy-Apple-Red Smile

(My apologies to anyone who has read this post before on the blog I used to author)

I was driving to work one cold, rainy morning dreading the busy day ahead when I came to the four-way stop by our local Middle School. As I yielded to the driver in the candy-apple-red Jeep on my right, I thought about how I should have taken a different route since I was running so late. I watched the man in the Jeep for a few moments, waiting for him to take his turn. He sat there while I impatiently chewed my bottom lip and drummed the steering wheel in time with the music on my radio. Just as my annoyance began to turn to anger, a lovely young girl with dark brown braids stepped out of the Jeep, giggling as she looked back at her Father. The man at the wheel waved at her, then turned and beamed me a bright smile. At the sight of his cheery expression, my indignation vanished. As I continued driving to my office I realized there was a big grin on my face.

I began to think about the passage of scripture, “A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” (Proverbs 17: 22) I thought of how often I forget to let my countenance reflect the hope that is in me, and how our attitudes can affect one another. I also thought about how much better I feel mentally and physically when I remember to smile.

There is scientific evidence that laughter may help prevent heart disease. As Christians we know God’s word states that as fact. Many of us have experienced its effect first hand.

The smile of a stranger in a candy-apple-red Jeep held the power to defuse my anger and brighten my day. It transformed my impatience into a reflection upon God’s Word. It caused me to remember my joy and in turn I was able to pass it on. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary puts it this way, “Christians should do what may give joy to the hearts of one another. From the world they expect trouble; they should find comfort and joy in one another.”

Signed 1928 Ruby Red Necklace Ruby Red Signed 1928 Necklace Great for Christmas!. 18-inch chain and pendant is approximately 2 x 1-1/2 inches. Beads and pendant are all faceted and very good quality as is usual for 1928 jewelry. AB Crystal beads accent the pendant. 1928 Jewelry Necklaces

1960s Native American Bead Thunderbird Necklace This is a Mid-century souvenir Native American necklace . The necklace was made on a loom from glass seed beads. The decoration is a Thunderbird design with other Native American symbols in beautiful colors. 30-inches long and 2-inch tassel. These necklaces were made by Native Americans for tourists. The necklace is made narrow around the neck and wider at bottom with tassels at bottom. It is in fair vintage condition. It does have some loose stitches but is still amazing. Native American Jewelry Necklaces